How to do Brick and Concrete Repairs Overview. A brick exterior gives many homes especially older homes a look of distinction and character. And almost every home, even more modern dwellings, has concrete stairs in the front or back and a concrete driveway or sidewalks. Maschine 1 8 Keygen Download. These very features that can give a home its personality are also the areas that may require some repair as years pass, and hiring a professional for these jobs can be expensive. However, with just a few tools, easy to access materials and some elbow grease, you can be your own home maintenance crew. This article provides the instructions and illustrations youll need to learn how to do brick and mortar repairs known as tuckpointing, replace a brick when it comes loose from a wall or chimney, repair crumbling concrete steps, fix a crack in a brick or concrete block wall, and fill pesky potholes in your driveway. Grab your tool box and click to the next page to begin repairing loose mortar joints between bricks. For further tips and instructions on how to fix things around the house Home Repair Safety Tips Doing the job yourself doesnt save you money if you end up in the emergency room. Read these tips to make sure you work smart when doing home repairs. Home Repair Materials Basics Stock up on these frequently used items and you can be Mr. Ms. Fix It without six trips to the hardware store. Replace-a-Damaged-Brick-Step-4.jpg/aid452267-v4-728px-Replace-a-Damaged-Brick-Step-4.jpg' alt='Fix Crack On Brick Wall' title='Fix Crack On Brick Wall' />Home Repair Tool Basics Does your tool box have what it takes Learn what tools youre likely to be looking for when making repairs around the house. How to Fix Cracked Walls Permanently Home Guides. Fixing a cracked wall is an easy do it yourself project. Whether found in drywall, plaster or concrete, a crack in a wall is an eyesore. Generally caused by the natural settling of a house over time, you can repair a cracked wall in a weekend. Simple tools and materials from your local home improvement store will have you on your way to a smooth wall. Take note, though if drywall cracking or surface distortion is severe or there are other indications of significant settling or potential structural problems, have your home inspected by a qualified building professional before repairing the drywall. Fixing Drywall. Fixing a crack in drywall is the easiest of the three wall types you are likely to encounter in your home. Use a utility knife to cut a 18 inch to 14 inch V notch along the length of the crack. Vacuum out loose material. Cover the crack with either mesh joint tape or joint compound and paper tape, followed by a thin layer of joint compound, extending about 2 inches on each side of the tape. Allow to dry. Apply a second coat of joint compound, feathered approximately 6 to 7 inches on either side of the crack. Allow to dry overnight. Repointing is the process of renewing the pointing, which is the external part of mortar joints, in masonry construction. Over time, weathering and decay cause voids. Make home brick and concrete repairs with instructions for mortar and loose brick repairs, fixing concrete stairs, and filling cracks and potholes. Fix Crack On Brick Wall' title='Fix Crack On Brick Wall' />Lightly sand until smooth. The wall is ready for paint or wallpaper. Plaster Wall Patching. Treat minor cracks in plaster similar to a drywall crack, with joint compound. A Google employee familiar with the feature spoke to Lifehacker to clarify how corrections to the OneBox section affect search results. Feedback is ordered by. However, if the plaster is pulling away from the lath, you first need to shore up the wall with a two step process that includes a conditioner spray followed by adhesive. Start by drilling holes with a 31. Vacuum the dust and debris from the holes. Spray the adhesive conditioner into each hole. Allow dwell time as per the manufacturers instructions. Inject the adhesive into each hole, beginning at the lowest point of the wall. Clean up excess adhesive with a damp sponge. Immediately attach plaster rings with a drill to pull the plaster tight against the wall. Allow to cure as per the manufacturers instructions. Remove the plaster rings. Hide the holes and original crack with a coat of joint compound. Lightly sand, then apply a second coat of joint compound. Sand smooth when dry. Concrete Walls. To repair a concrete wall you will need an epoxy repair kit. The epoxy will make a watertight seal in the crack. Begin your repair by tapping 3 inch finish nails partially into the crack every 1. Epoxy comes in two parts, A and B, which you need to mix just before using. Mix equal parts of the epoxy on a scrap piece of wood with a putty knife. Apply a small amount of mixed epoxy on each injection port tab attach each port against the wall by covering each of the finish nails with one port. Spread mixed epoxy over the crack, extending 1 inch on either side of the crack. CrackStitchingNew.jpg' alt='Fix Crack On Brick Wall' title='Fix Crack On Brick Wall' />Cover the flange of each injection port with epoxy as well. You can use a paintbrush dipped in mineral spirits to feather the epoxy at the edges. Allow to cure for six to 1. Using a caulk gun, inject liquid concrete repair into the ports, starting at the bottom, until the liquid oozes from the port. Plug each port before moving to the next. Allow to cure for at least five days, then cut the port flush with the wall with a hacksaw. AccessKeyId=65230CCF7870F2F5B13B&disposition=0&alloworigin=1' alt='Fix Crack On Brick Wall' title='Fix Crack On Brick Wall' />Repairing Deep Cracks. If cracks in drywall or plaster are deeper than a 14 inch, you will have better success if you first fill the the crevice with a filler compound prior to taping with joint compound. Mix the compound as per the manufacturers instructions. Fill the crack until it is flush with the existing wall. Cover with tape and joint compound, as outlined previously, to achieve a smooth wall. Signs of Structural Damage. Concrete walls, especially in a foundation, are load bearing walls. Although you can patch minor cracks, major fissures can be a sign of poor structural integrity. A horizontal crack that stretches the length of a wall as well as bulging is a tell tale sign of serious damage. Cracks of this nature should be repaired only by a professional. About the Author. Thomas Ferraioli began writing in 1. His work has been featured in national publications like Parents and U. S. Catholic. Ferraioli owns a cleaning service and is a Catholic youth minister. He holds a bachelors degree in communications and business from Seton Hall University and was a recipient of the Pope John Paul II Award from the Archdiocese of Newark, N. J. for his work with youth. Photo Credits. Hemera TechnologiesAble. Stock. comGetty Images.